Most everyone knows that I am an avid Red Sox fan. Having played the game as a youth and had dreams of reaching the major leagues I don't miss too many games. In my mind there is so much more to learn from the game than just final scores and balls and strikes. It is about the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory. Underdogs, over achievers and rookie sensations. The game never gets old because it is more than just a game. It is real life!
Don't get me wrong, I don't have lots of sympathy for millionaire cry babies, but even they have bad days, injuries, sickness in the family and yes, death that causes the game to be reduced to just that a game! It is in the midst of all of this that much can be learned if you pay attention.
Just this past week the bottom has fallen out of Boston's drive for another world series. Injuries, slumps, and failed comebacks have all happened at once for the Sox, but here is where you learn from the game. When Terri Francona, the manager of the Red Sox was asked about his team and how they were going to handle all the difficulties they were experiencing, he made no excuses. He said, "It is at times like this we will discover what we are made of. These things happen to all teams and they present an opportunity to build character."
To me that is what sports is all about! Yes I love to watch the games and see the incredible athletic ability of men placed in high pressure situations. But to me it is more about overcoming the adversities of life and coming out a winner as a person.
Earlier this season the Los Angeles Angels lost one of their pitchers to a car accident. It devastated the team to lose someone so close to them. That very night he had pitched a great game. Everyone was happy until the news of someone running a red light changed every thing. They could have allowed this tragedy to destroy their season, but instead they are using it to build character in their lives. They are now on top of the standings and look like they are on their way to the playoffs.
How are you dealing with the difficult situations you are facing in your life? You are no less important as a person than million dollar ball players. Are you allowing the difficulties to build character in you or are you making excuses? Times are tough. We read about it everyday in the news paper or hear it on the TV. That is no excuse to give up. It is time to "suck it up" as they say and allow God to develop character in your life. In reality character is not developed in hard times, it is revealed! I continue to stress that hard times cannot stop your destiny, they define it ! Character does count!!! What's in you?
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